Legislation + Regulation

A Frost & Sullivan research report, titled European Energy Efficient Lighting Markets, provides an in-depth analysis of the competitive landscape while detailing key market and geographic trends in the European energy-efficient lighting market, focusing on CFLs, LEDs and halogen lamps in the commercial, residential, public and industrial sectors. Click here to learn more.

The Department of Energy today announced plans for a new consumer education initiative that will be timed to the upcoming changes in lamp regulations. The initiative will provide greater awareness of the overall benefits of the legislative changes and new, “greener” technologies such as LEDs and CFLs. Joining DOE at the Solid-State Lighting (SSL) Market [...]

Guest Post by Jim Brodrick, Department of Energy [Recently], the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced its new consumer labeling requirements for medium screw-based light bulbs. The bottom line is that manufacturers of incandescent, compact fluorescent, and LED light bulbs will have to begin employing a new “Lighting Facts” label that’s similar to DOE’s Lighting FactsCM [...]

The Illuminating Engineering Society has announced a new public policy initiative regarding energy conservation and efficiency, sustainability and lighting quality, and a new staff appointment in support of the initiative. The purpose of the initiative is to plan, develop, and coordinate the public policy interests of the IES and government, regulatory, trade and professional associations, [...]

The International Dark Sky Association and the Illuminating Engineering Society Boards of Directors have approved the release of the Second Draft of the Model Lighting Ordinance (MLO) for Public Review and Comment. These organizations are developing the MLO to address the need for strong, consistent outdoor lighting regulation that addresses energy, glare, light trespass and [...]

Between 2005 and 2010, Federal efficiency standards became phased into effect, covering fluorescent magnetic ballasts designed to operate full-wattage F40T12, F96T12 and F96T12HO lamps. Subsequent standards expanded this scope to include energy-saving versions of these lamps (e.g., 4-ft. 34W T12). In July 2010, efficiency standards regulating fluorescent magnetic T12 ballasts entered their final phase, effectively [...]

Living legend Howard Brandston makes the case against new energy standards targeting the incandescent lamp here.

The Federal Trade Commission today announced that starting in mid-2011, consumers shopping for light bulbs will notice new labeling on packaging designed to help them choose among the different types of bulbs on the market – traditional incandescent lamps, CFLs and LED lamps. The new labels will enable consumers to save money by selecting the [...]

We are in an era of regulated efficiency. EC&M Magazine has published a nice summary of lighting regulations for their April issue here. I was pleased to be interviewed for this article about the role lighting controls can play in upgrades in existing buildings.